Where to eat and what to see near the South Lake Union Streetcar
Jump to a specific station:
Fairview & Campus Drive (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)
Westlake/Terry & Mercer (Southbound/Northbound train, South Lake Union)
Westlake/Terry & Thomas (Southbound/Northbound train, South Lake Union)
Westlake & 9th-Denny (Denny Triangle)
Fairview & Campus Drive (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)
Marina Events
This stop, known for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, also offers unique experiences at the South Lake Union Marina. The Fremont Brew Cruise and Ice Cream Cruise provide an exceptional way to enjoy Lake Union's scenic beauty and vibrant community. I’d also recommend them for an event boat rental if you’re wanting something fun and affordable for a group of ~30, we used them post-COVID for a graduation party and had a great time. Partnering with local businesses, Waterways Cruises offers an array of themed cruises, blending educational tours with leisurely enjoyment.
Lake Union Park (Lake Union)
A living museum where visitors can delve into Seattle's maritime history through interactive experiences and craftsmanship workshops. Ideal for enthusiasts of all ages, it's a gateway to understanding the region's nautical heritage. You can often find groups working in the gazebos outside on building and restoring boats. The grounds themselves are beautiful, well worth a stroll any day Seattle sunshine calls for it.
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Housing extensive exhibits on Seattle's industrial evolution, MOHAI is a treasure trove of innovation, culture, and history, making it a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike. Their online archives hosted by the University of Washington are also free to view and incredibly fascinating.
Set in a historic building, this modern sports bar offers a dynamic atmosphere with an array of games, making it perfect for social gatherings and casual outings. You will find a lot of tech work groups here if coming after work. It’s been said that their roof has fairly good views as well for things like fireworks over Lake Union.
Tapster is a self-serve bar, where you're invited to explore and pour your own drinks, offering a unique, interactive night out. Like Art Marble, you will find a lot of tech work groups here if coming after work, but it’s also a pretty huge place so you will probably still find seating.
Westlake/Terry & Mercer (Southbound/Northbound train, South Lake Union)
Flatstick Pub Minigolf
Merge fun and casual dining with mini-golf and craft beer. It's an engaging spot for dates or groups looking to unwind and play. It’s a chain, and you can find one of these off the First Hill Streetcar, too.
Ba Bar
Renowned for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine served in a stylish setting, it's a culinary gem where traditional flavors meet modern dining. They do have pho but I particularly love their chicken, it’s incredibly tender.
Westlake/Terry & Thomas (Southbound/Northbound train, South Lake Union)
Brings the heart of Texas barbecue to Seattle, offering smoked meats and Southern sides that promise a hearty, flavorsome meal. I have to admit to not having found the perfect Carolina barbeque out here, but this will do for some brisket.
A nod to Scandinavian coffee culture, providing a serene spot for coffee aficionados to savor expertly brewed beverages alongside exquisite pastries.
Known for its lively atmosphere, it's a local hangout that you can feel comfortable popping in without a thought for juicy burgers, and diverse beer selection. In an area that feels uptight at times, if you need a casual vibe, then I would definitely come by here for good simple pub food and their diverse beer selection. They have plenty of room for bigger groups (a plus around here), and it’s a great time for trivia! There’s another Sam’s down in Capitol Hill near the First Hill Streetcar.
Embraces organic and sustainable ingredients for a brunch experience that's both delicious and conscientious, complete with a customizable pancake bar that you can add on for many of the dishes that includes fruit, whipped cream, jams, and more that changes with the seasons. There are a few of these Portage Bay Cafes throughout Seattle and you really can’t go wrong with a pitcher of mimosas and anything on their menu (I’m a sucker for the Migas). The cafe in the University District has an attached farm with a few chickens, ducks, and other things growing. They pride themselves on sourcing all of their ingredients locally.
A cornerstone of Seattle's coffee scene, offering a refined espresso experience in a welcoming, laid-back environment.
Modern regional Lebanese, Syrian, and Persian fusion cuisine with panoramic city views on a rooftop, making it an ideal venue for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a sophisticated night out. An excellent place to bring a date you’re trying to impress, less so to bring a group of people who can’t handle a conversation (ask me how I know). They have plenty of great drinks to drown your sorrows if you make that mistake.
Westlake & 9th-Denny (Denny Triangle)
As Seattle’s oldest park, it provides a tranquil escape within the urban jungle, offering a slice of green serenity amidst the city hustle. Come by and play with the giant chess set or listen to some buskers as you watch the city go by, it makes for excellent people-watching.
A chain with innovative bubble tea creations, including the unique salted cheese series, perfect for adventurous palates. If you love lemon and you love boba like me, you can get some punchy-fresh lemon drinks here. Yes, this is a chain, but when you are in the abyss of SLU looking for some flavor, it’s the brightness you need.
This upscale grocery and food court made by the same creators as Hmart. If you need to grab something quickly between meetings or while waiting for transit, this is a great stop-in for something tasty and reliable.
Celebrates authentic Mexican cuisine, offering traditional dishes that resonate with the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. Maíz Antojitos y Tortilleria certainly serves the Amazonian crowd, but they offer sophisticated uses of corn as their central tenant. Critically, Molino is going to be a higher chance at getting in and served quickly than visiting Maíz at Pike Place, which now often has a line out the block after its well-deserved increased media coverage.
Westlake & 7th (Denny Triangle)
Phở Bac & Phởcific Standard Time
Brings a taste of Vietnam to Seattle with its authentic pho and innovative Vietnamese dishes. A cozy spot for comfort food lovers. Phocific Standard Time is a treehouse-themed speakeasy upstairs inside the restaurant and is not to be missed—the cocktails are incredible and the tiny cup-noodle style custom pho cup is precious.
Celebrates the flavors of the Italian Riviera with its seafood-centric dishes and inviting setting. A great choice for happy hour, their offering is solid for the area.
The Spheres Complex: A distinctive feature of Amazon's downtown Seattle campus, The Spheres complex is not only an architectural marvel but also a vibrant hub of retail and dining. The inside of the spheres can be visited by the public (in addition to employees) on a schedule which is usually set Saturdays, but it is filled with gorgeous plants. There’s also a great donut place, General Porpoise, if you do find yourself inside. There are two other noteworthy places with outside entrances and easier entry to the public: Willmott’s Ghost and Deep Dive.
Specializes in Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The ambiance is as refined as the menu, making it ideal for a classy dining experience. Extremely hyped due to its location, of course.
Hidden within The Spheres, this speakeasy offers an intimate atmosphere with an exquisite cocktail menu. A must-visit for those looking to unwind in style, especially if work is footing the bill. The lounge was turned into this space from a Curtis Steiner art installation.
Westlake Hub (McGraw Square)
Connects downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center, offering a quick and fun way to travel between key attractions.
An iconic and picture-perfect venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and events. The grandeur of the theater adds to the overall experience. This is the stop you’ll want if you’re riding to the theater.
Moore Theater and Moore Coffee Shop
A historic theater offering a range of performances that’s gorgeously complemented by the Moore Coffee Shop’s relaxed dining atmosphere.
Offers a diverse array of Asian street food favorites in a heavily themed atmosphere. There are a variety of stalls/windows to get food at, so there is variety for everyone. The name looks weird, but it’s because it’s actually an acronym for Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Known for its interactive dining experience, this is one of the first few outposts of the famous Chinese franchise, complete with robot servers and an exceptional sauce bar. Great for groups and those who love freebies.
Although part of a chain, it maintains a high standard for its dumplings and Asian cuisine. Worth the visit for its consistent quality.
A local favorite for its coffee and welcoming atmosphere. A good spot for casual meetings or to recharge during the day.
An expansive shopping destination offering a wide range of products across multiple floors. A paradise for shoppers with a branded restaurant/bar and several branded cafes.
A central outdoor space ideal for a quick sit during a long shopping trip and people-watching, nestled among many other shopping and dining options.
Read More
What to see near the Seattle First Hill Streetcar
The history and future of the Seattle Streetcar
How to ride the Seattle Streetcar
